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Government Street to get a makeover; work not to start for another year

7 years 9 months 2 weeks ago Tuesday, May 31 2016 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2016 6:54 PM May 31, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ
By: Alicia Serrano, Mark Armstrong

BATON ROUGE - Government Street in Baton Rouge is set to get a makeover, but it will be another year before work begins.

The street will be reduced from four lanes to three between I-110 to Lobdell. Designated left turns to be added in the middle to reduce congestion and accidents that are common to the area.

"We have an excess number of accidents on Government Street that are either rear-enders or when someone darts out there an accident," Department of Transportation Communications Director Rodney Mallett said.

However, not every intersection on the street will get a left turn, including the intersection by David Heroman's flower shop.

"I'm worried about it moving traffic off of Government because it's such an impediment," Heroman said.

Another change to the street will be a roundabout that will replace the intersection by Lobdell and Independence.

Bike lanes will be added. Bikers like John Hans of Mid-City appreciate the new addition.

"It's going to help a lot to broaden the conscious of Baton Rouge drivers that bikes should be on the road," Hans said.

Project managers feel the plan is the first step to creating the city's own Magazine Street similar to the one in New Orleans.

The makeover is meant to attract pedestrian-friendly shops and restaurants when the work is complete.

Before the work begins an environmental study must be completed and then contractors will bid on the job.

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